Online Proclamation Request Form

Special Recognition/Proclamation Procedures

1. Philosophy and Background
   Osceola County Government issues recognitions/proclamations to recognize and celebrate the extraordinary achievements of Osceola County citizens and non-profit organizations, to honor occasions of importance and significance to the citizens of Osceola County, and to increase public awareness of issues to improve the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of this County.
2. Policy
   • A member of the Board of County Commissioners must support the recognition/proclamation request.
   • Requests should be submitted no fewer than 21 days in advance of requested date through e-mail form or in writing. The county manager can override this requirement under extraordinary circumstances.
   • The recognition/proclamation will be approved by the County Manager/designee during the agenda review process.
   • Generally, no more than three recognitions/proclamations will be presented during a meeting.
   • The request must be for a legitimate cause with local ties. (For example, a local group or representative of a national organization may request a proclamation.)
   • Recognitions/Proclamations are not automatically renewed each year.
   • County staff may generate but will not accept recognitions/proclamations.
   • Requests must be submitted via web site or e-mail.
   • If a representative is not present, the recognition/proclamation will not be recognized during the BOCC meeting.
3. Special Recognition
   • When deemed appropriate, and in lieu of a proclamation, members of the BOCC may issue a “Certificate of Special Recognition” to individuals and organizations.
     • These certificates will not be part of BOCC meetings or the agenda process.
     • They will be signed by the requesting board member of the BOCC.
     • PIO’s monthly report will reflect the monthly number of special recognition awards.
4. Guidelines & Procedures
   • Proclamations are handled by the Community Outreach/Public Information Office.
   • All requests should clearly include the name, address and telephone number of the person making the request, as well as who will be present to accept the proclamation, including name and title.
   • Request must include name and date(s) of the day, week, month or event to be proclaimed.
   • Request must include a date when the proclamation should be issued.
   • Request should include at least four (4) WHEREAS statements which give background information about the individual, organization or event as well as reasons for the proclamation.
   • Only one recognition/proclamation will be issued per year per organization, individual and/or event.
   • Recognitions/proclamations issued for out-of-county events or for-profit causes must have a purposed tied to the Board of County Commissioners’ policies or strategic plan.
   • National or international groups requesting recognitions/proclamations must have an in-county sponsor, or demonstrate alignment with the stated mission or vision of the BOCC.
   • Recognitions/Proclamations are not issued in honor of individuals unless specifically approved by the Osceola County Board of County Commissioners at a regular meeting of the BOCC.
   • Requests that are similar to already-issued recognitions/proclamations during the same calendar year will be declined.
   • Any draft language provided may be deleted, edited or rewritten at the discretion of the Osceola County Board of County Commissioners.
   • No recognitions/proclamations may be used as part of an advertisement or commercial promotion without approval of the BOCC.

Approval Of Proclamations is at the Discretion of the Board but Proclamations Will Not Be Placed Upon the Agenda For

• Matters of political controversy, ideological or religious beliefs, or individual convictions.
• Events, individuals or organizations with no direct relationship to Osceola County.
• Campaigns, organizations, individuals or events contrary to Osceola County Government policies.
• Groups, organizations, individuals, dates, events or causes that are associated with anything deemed immoral, unlawful, hateful, unjust or injurious to others by the Osceola County Board of County Commissioners.

Making Your Request

• A written request must be accompanied by a draft of the proclamation, including 5-7 “whereas” clauses.
• Requests should be submitted no fewer than 21 days in advance of your requested date. Requests will be accepted no more than two months in advance. If fewer than three weeks notice is given, we reserve the right to decline.
• You must include the name and date(s) of the day, week, month or event to be proclaimed.
• Requests must include a date when the proclamation should be issued.
• A representative must be present to accept your proclamation in person at an Osceola County Board of County Commission meeting.
  IMPORTANT: Please let us know name, title of the representative accepting the proclamation.
• Requests may be submitted electronically, emailed to pio@osceola.org, or mailed to the following address. Be sure to include all contact information, including a mailing address and telephone number.
  Public Information Office
  Osceola County Government
  1 Courthouse Square, Suite 4500
  Kissimmee, FL 34741
  Phone: (407) 742-0100

All items must be filled in before submitting your proclamation request.